Page 87 of Dangerous Intent

“This year the auction was a disaster,” I said. “I didn’t even think about how the shooting that night affected the donations.”

That was the night Marchello pulled me from harm’s way. That was our beginning.

“They could have raised a lot more had the night been able to continue, but I’m sure Nico made up the difference.”

“When? He’s been so busy.”

“I’m sure he’ll work it out. It’s an important cause to him, so he won’t forget about them.”

“You’re probably right.” I took his hand as we walked down the hallway to Marchello’s office. “What brings you here?”

“I’m running errands for Milo, and I heard you were here. I wanted to say goodbye before you left for Miami.”

“That was sweet of you.” I bumped his muscular arm with my shoulder. “I won’t be gone long. When I get back, we can go Christmas shopping on Fifth Avenue.”

“Promise?”

“Absolutely. We can have lunch and see a show too. We’ll bring my mother.” She would jump at the opportunity if she thought Dom would be with us.

We stopped when we got to Marchello’s office.

“Are you feeling better?” Ricardo asked. “Your color is returning to your face.”

“I’m getting there.” I smiled. “I’ve been a mess these last few weeks, but I know how lucky I am to have found the Accettis and you.”

“It’s all of us who are lucky to have found you.”

“I’m going to miss you.” I kissed his cheek. “But I’m looking forward to getting away and spending some time with my new husband.”

“A honeymoon.”

“For now.” I didn’t have the wedding I’d always imagined, and a few days in Miami was hardly the honeymoon of my dreams, but I did find the perfect man to spend my forever with, so I wouldn’t complain. “When things die down and Nico comes home, I want to go on a real honeymoon. No business. Just Marchello and me relaxing.”

Getting away for a few weeks to an exotic setting sounded wonderful and romantic. We could make a baby…

I couldn’t seem to get that thought out of my head.

“Does he know how to relax?” Ricardo laughed.

“I don’t think so.” I shrugged. “I’ve never seen Marchello do that.”

“You’ve never seen me do what?” Marchello appeared in the doorway of his office. “I’d love to know what the two of you are discussing.”

“Oh, well, Lissia and I were… We, ah…” Ricardo shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Ricardo,” I said, putting him out of his misery. “I’ll handle my husband.”

“Milo is looking for you,” Marchello said to Ricardo. “Go find him.”

Ricardo hustled out of Marchello’s sight faster than I could recite my credit card number. That was saying something.

“Are you ever going to cut him a break?” I asked as I entered the office and sat on the couch. “He’s terrified of you.”

“He’s alive, isn’t he? I’d say that’s a pretty big break after what happened, wouldn’t you?” Marchello closed the door and joined me on the couch. “What have you never seen me do?”

“Relax.”

“I don’t have time to relax.”